Agricultural Research Service (ARS) researchers partnered with Bradley University to combine biological research with applied engineering to develop innovative barley micro malting devices that use natural compounds to prevent microbial [fungal] contamination during the malting process. This addresses a problem that costs the U.S. malting and distilling industry millions of dollars each year.  

The fungus Fusarium graminearum can infect cereal crops during flowering and contaminate grains such as barley, wheat, oats, and rye with mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are compounds produced by fungi that can pose serious health risks to people and livestock. Learn more...